Pockets Warhol the painting monkey - and the exotic animal trade

Pockets Warhol the painting monkey - and the exotic animal trade

This week on A Dog’s Devotion, we honor the extraordinary life of Pockets Warhol—a tiny soul who endured so much, yet gave the world beauty, connection, and meaning through his art. Pockets wasn’t meant to be a “pet.” He was born into the harsh and heartbreaking reality of the exotic animal trade—an industry driven by profit, where wild animals are taken from their families, transported in cruel conditions, and too often die before they ever reach their destination. Those who survive are left to live a life far from what nature ever intended. But Pockets’ story took a different turn. Through the love and devotion of his muse, Charmaine Quinn, and the sanctuary that became his true home at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, Pockets found safety, compassion, and a voice—expressed through his incredible paintings that touched hearts around the world. I had the privilege of knowing Pockets, of witnessing his spirit, and of volunteering at the sanctuary where animals like him are finally given the life they deserve. This episode is deeply personal. It’s about loss. It’s about resilience. And it’s about the powerful bond between humans and animals—a bond built not on ownership, but on respect, protection, and love. While this conversation may be difficult to hear at times, it is filled with compassion and purpose. It’s a reminder that wild animals belong in the wild—not in cages, not in homes, not as commodities for our entertainment. At its core, this is what A Dog’s Devotion is all about—the profound love and impact animals have on our lives, and the responsibility we carry to protect them. Please listen, share, like, and comment to help spread this important message. Thank you for being here. xoxo Carla, Max & Smokey

The Hardest Decision: At-Home Euthanasia, Guilt & Grief

This week on A Dog’s Devotion, we continue one of the most tender and difficult conversations a dog parent will ever face. Following last week’s episode on knowing when it’s time to say goodbye, we gently explore what happens next — the deeply personal decision of at-home euthanasia. With compassion and honesty, we talk about how to navigate the fear and uncertainty, what the process truly looks like, and how to recognize when the time is right for your beloved companion. I am joined by Dr. Becky Frank, from Lap of Love a place that provides in-home pet euthanasia, consultation, veterinary hospice, and pet loss support services. Here is their website: https://www.lapoflove.com/ We also open the door to the emotions that follow — the guilt, the heartbreak, and the overwhelming grief of losing your best friend. If you’re going through this now, or carrying the weight of this decision from the past, you are not alone. This is a safe space for love, remembrance, and understanding. Join me for this important and heartfelt conversation.  Please subscribe, share with someone who may need it, and thank you for being part of this community. I know this is so difficult to discuss, but it is something we have to prepare for.  xoxo Carla, Max & Smokey

When Is It Time? The Hardest Goodbye Every Dog Parent Faces

How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to the one who never left your side? In this deeply emotional and honest episode, I sit down with Amy Castro to talk about one of the most heart-wrenching decisions every dog parent will face — when to let your beloved pet go. This is a conversation for anyone navigating dog loss, anticipatory grief, or the overwhelming weight of pet euthanasia decisions. We explore the signs, the guilt, the “what ifs,” and the quiet moments when love means letting go. If your dog is aging, suffering, or you’ve recently experienced dog grief, this episode will hold your hand through it. You are not alone in this. This is about compassion. About dignity. About love that is so deep, it hurts. If you’ve ever asked yourself:  Am I doing this too soon… or too late? Am I being selfish? How do I say goodbye? This episode is for you. 💔 Real talk about senior dog care 💔 Understanding quality of life for dogs 💔 Coping with pet loss grief 💔 Support for the dog-loving community Please listen, share, and send this to someone who needs it. Because sometimes, the hardest decision… is also the kindest one. There are many resources available for you if you are currently dealing with the loss of a pet, or dealing with "if it is time"... You can always email me at:  adogsdevotion@gmail.com I will help you any way l can. As always thank you for listening, this was a hard topic to cover as l have had to go thru it so many times, and let me tell you - it never gets easier.  xoxoo Carla, Max & Smokey

Healing Paws: A Gentle Path to Better Health for Our Senior Dogs

Welcome back to A Dog's Devotion, the only dog podcast that covers everything that dog owners need to know. Whether you are dealing with the loss of your beloved pet, the grief that follows, a senior dog, helping rescue dogs or wanting to learn more about the need for dog rescues in this country. There are so many interesting people that are doing great work: from photographers who travel the world taking photos of dogs, to men who travel the world with their rescue dog, to the people who work tirelessly helping abused dogs get the help they need. In this episode we are talking about senior dog health, and alternatives that are out there. Are you a dog parent searching for real solutions to support your aging pup? In this powerful episode of A Dog’s Devotion, we dive into Healing Paws and the growing world of holistic dog health and alternative medicine for senior dogs. From pain relief and mobility support to natural healing therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care, discover what’s trending in the dog community right now. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating senior dog care, chronic pain, or simply wanting to improve their dog’s quality of life. Join a passionate dog community that’s focused on wellness, longevity, and giving our beloved companions the comfort they deserve. As always thank you for listening, please subscribe to our channel and the podcast, we appreciate it.  Thank you, xoxo Carla, Max & Smokey

Underdog Rescue

Welcome to A Dog's Devotion, a podcast for all dog lovers. This episode we once again cover the importance of dog rescue, with Underdog Rescue. Some of the topics are horrible to hear about, so please keep that in mind. But it is the reality of our world, and some of the hatred in it. There are some very evil people on this planet and they always seem to pray on the most innocent.  What does it really take to give an “underdog” a second chance? In this heartfelt episode of A Dog’s Devotion, we shine a light on the incredible work of Underdog Rescue and the life-changing impact of rescue dogs. These are the dogs often overlooked—the seniors, the injured, the abandoned—yet they are the ones with the most powerful stories to tell. We dive into the realities of dog rescue, the emotional journeys behind adopting a rescue dog, and the deep, unbreakable bond between humans and the dogs who need them most. From stories of resilience to second chances, this episode reminds us how dogs change lives, often when we need it the most. If you’ve ever wondered how to help, how to adopt, or how a dog could transform your life, this episode is for you. Because sometimes… the ones we save, end up saving us. 🐾 As always, thank you for listening. xoxo Carla, Max & Smokey